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Obama: Attack was terrorism

Pols, pundits debate 'terror' label

The White House confirmed that Obama will “speak at an interfaith service dedicated to those who were gravely wounded or killed in Monday’s bombing near the finish line of the Boston Marathon,” a statement said.

Earlier in the day, Obama discussed the attacks in a briefing from the White House.

“This was a heinous and cowardly act, and given what we now know about what took place, the FBI is investigating it as an act of terrorism,” the president said in televised comments. “Anytime bombs are used to target innocent civilians, it is an act of terror.”

In a Monday briefing, Obama had refrained from using the word “terror” to describe the twin bomb attacks near the marathon finish line that injured between 150 and 176 people — 17 critically — and killed three, including an 8-year-old boy. White House officials, however, were quick to use the term to reporters after Obama’s initial briefing.

Pressure cookers were used to construct the bombs, which were packed with deadly shrapnel, according to a law enforcement source. An AP report said that “the explosives were in 6-liter pressure cookers and placed in black duffel bags.” Other reports said that nails and BBs looked to have been in the bombs to increase their power to kill and maim.

FOX 5 Atlanta released pictures of the first bomb. The photos show metal pressure cookers, one of which is in a black duffel bag.

“Among items partially recovered are pieces of black nylon which could be from a backpack, what appeared to be…BBs and nails possibly contained in a pressure cooker device,” he said. “We are expediting this blast evidence to our laboratory in Quantico, Va., for a complete and thorough analysis. In addition, this morning, it was determined that both explosives were placed in a dark-colored nylon bag or backpack.”

DesLauriers added that “the range of suspects and motives remains wide open” and stressed that anyone with knowledge should come forward.